BUSTING THE BUBBLE

“Young people who are obsessed with social media and the attention they get there should realise that social media is not real life”

He also recommends that young people find non-judgmental people to talk to, so that they can freely express their fears and opinions and get objective advice if they want it.

So, which social platform is Gurpreet more comfortable with? “Twitter is more personal and raw for me. Instagram on the other hand, is a platform where I can put things out in a more planned way and have a better connect with my fans,” explains Gurpreet.

To make his posts more effective and to give his fans a better understanding of what he does, Gurpreet recently started taking the help of a close friend from Bengaluru FC.

“Of late, I realised that a more professional approach to what I want to say would be better,” he explains. “This way my fans get a more meaningful insight into the things I do aside from football. For example, during the lockdown I did my workouts in the balcony of my flat and shared that on

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s first cover with HT Brunch appeared with fellow-footballers Sunil Chhetri, Pronay Halder, Jeje Lalpekhlua on Jan 27, 2019

Instagram to help motivate others to work out. I have recently started a hashtag called #Mytopsaves where I will share my favourite books, my favourite breakfast recipes, favourite cycling routes in Bengaluru and much more,” reveals Gurpreet.

Like every sportsperson during the lockdown, Gurpreet was a restless soul. Although he played again from September, he found the bio -bubble he was confined to just as stressful.

Fortunately, last year’s lockdown did a good deal for his love life. “I was able to spend six months with my partner in Australia. In fact, after being in a long distance relationship with her for nearly four years, I proposed to her at that time and we got engaged,” he says. “But, I came back before the game season and then from September till June 14 this year, I was in a bio bubble, which is mentally challenging.”

For sportspeople used to spending hours outdoors, being confined to a room and then being tested every two or three days is a nightmare.

“I think Bengaluru FC did a great job for us by partnering with a mental health organisation,” says Gurpreet. “Sometimes it’s easier to talk to a professional than your teammates or friends and family and partner. I did it and it really helped me. That’s why I want to tell people to reach out for professional help when they need it.”

Watch some fun BTS clips from this cover shoot with our footballing star. Scan the QR code below.

“SOMETIMES IT’S EASIER TO TALK TO A [MENTAL HEALTH] PROFESSIONAL THAN YOUR TEAMMATES OR FAMILY AND PARTNER. I DID IT AND IT REALLY HELPED ME.”

Outfit, Bibi Russell